An internal adapter for use in torque-limiting handles for interchangeable orthopedic tools contains a slidable collar component, house component, retaining ring, spring, driver component, cover and cam which engages a torque-limiting mechanism. A plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure an orthopedic tool in the adapter, while a configuration of chamfered surfaces centrally stabilize the tool. A plurality of guiding chamfers located in a driver component rotationally secures the orthopedic tool.
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7. A torque-limiting handle for releasably securing an orthopedic tool comprised of:
a tool handle and having an internal handle cavity;
a torque-limiting assembly housed within said internal handle cavity, said torque-limiting assembly including at least one roller; and
at least one internal adapter adapted to fit within said internal handle cavity and releasbly secure the shaft of an orthopedic tool comprised of
a slidable collar component with an internal tool receiving channel,
said collar component having a plurality of securing ball apertures and a retaining ring groove,
a house component with an interior collar channel having a tapered surface creating a smaller interior collar channel diameter at the front of said interior collar channel and a larger interior collar channel diameter at the rear end of said interior collar channel and a stop-ridge, wherein said slidable collar component is slidable within said interior collar channel and said plurality of securing ball apertures are aligned with said tapered surface,
a plurality of securing balls wherein each one of said plurality of securing balls engages one of said plurality of securing ball apertures to decrease the diameter of said internal tool receiving channel, a retaining ring contained in said retaining ring groove,
a spring adapted to provide outward force on said slidable collar component so that said plurality of securing balls are aligned with said smaller interior collar channel diameter and said retaining ring engages stop-ridge to prevent outward movement of said slidable collar component,
a driver component having a plurality of guiding chamfers each having a transition chamfer, wherein said driver component secures said spring against said slidable collar component, and a cover which engages said internal cavity,
wherein inward force applied to said slidable collar component aligns said plurality of securing balls with said larger interior collar channel diameter to increase the diameter of said tool receiving channel;
a cam, and at least one bearing, wherein said roller engages said cam.
1. A torque-limiting tool handle for releasably engaging orthopedic tools comprised of:
a tool handle and having an internal handle cavity;
a plurality of components adapted to fit within said internal handle cavity to releasably secure an orthopedic tool in a manner that is sufficiently stable for use during an orthopedic procedure, wherein said plurality of components include
a slidable collar component having an external collar base with an tubular sliding portion containing a plurality of securing ball detent apertures and a retaining ring groove,
said tubular sliding portion creating an internal tool receiving channel and insertable into an interior collar channel of a housing component,
said interior collar channel of said housing component having a tapered inner surface which covers said plurality of securing ball detent apertures, wherein said tapered inner surfaces creates a smaller interior collar channel diameter at the front of said interior collar channel and a larger interior collar channel diameter at the rear end of said interior collar channel, and a stop-ridge, wherein said slidable collar component is slidable within said interior collar channel and said plurality of securing ball detent apertures are aligned with said tapered surface,
a plurality of securing balls wherein each one of said plurality of securing balls engages one of said plurality of securing ball detent apertures to decrease the diameter of said internal tool receiving channel,
a retaining ring contained in said retaining ring groove,
a spring adapted to provide outward force on said slidable collar component so that said plurality of securing balls are aligned with said smaller interior collar channel diameter and said retaining ring engages stop-ridge to prevent outward movement of said slidable collar component,
a driver component having a plurality of guiding chamfers, and
a cover which engages said internal handle cavity,
wherein inward force applied to said slidable collar component aligns said plurality of securing balls with said larger interior collar channel diameter to increase the diameter of said tool receiving channel; and
a cam, wherein said cam is secured to said driver component.
15. A torque-limiting handle for a medical shaft comprised of:
a handle having an internal handle cavity, wherein said internal handle cavity has a threaded portion;
a torque-limiting assembly housed within said internal handle cavity, said torque-limiting assembly including at least one roller; and
an internal adapter configured to receive an orthopedic tool having a shaft with a groove and a plurality of flattened surfaces having corresponding chamfers and separated by rounded transitions having corresponding chamfers, said internal adapter being configured to fit within said internal handle cavity and comprised of a slidable collar component with an internal tool receiving channel, said collar component having a plurality of symmetrically arranged securing ball apertures and a retaining ring groove,
a house component with an interior collar channel having a tapered surface creating a smaller interior collar channel diameter at the front of said interior collar channel and a larger interior collar channel diameter at the rear end of said interior collar channel and a stop-ridge, wherein said slidable collar component is slidable within said interior collar channel and said plurality of securing ball apertures are aligned with said tapered surface,
a plurality of securing balls wherein each one of said plurality of securing balls engages one of said plurality of securing ball apertures to decrease the diameter of said internal tool receiving channel,
a retaining ring contained in said retaining ring groove,
a spring adapted to provide outward force on said slidable collar component so that said plurality of securing balls are aligned with said smaller interior collar channel diameter and said retaining ring engages stop-ridge to prevent outward movement of said slidable collar component,
a driver component having a plurality of guiding chamfers corresponding to said flattened surfaces of said orthopedic tool and at least one flattened exterior surface,
wherein said guiding chamfers have transition chamfers, and
a handle-engaging cover having a threaded portion corresponding with said threaded portion of said internal cavity,
wherein inward force applied to said slidable collar component aligns said plurality of securing balls with said larger interior collar channel diameter to increase the diameter of said tool receiving channel; and
a cam having an interior channel with at least one flattened surface; wherein said roller engages said cam;
wherein said at least one flattened exterior surface of said driver and said at least one flattened surface of said cam interior channel correspond to prevent rotational movement of said driver in said cam;
wherein the distance from the center of said groove to the leading edge of said chamfers corresponding to said rounded transitions of said tool shaft is equal to the distance from the center of one of said securing balls to the leading edge of one of said transition chamfers of said driver component and
wherein said slidable collar component, said house component, said securing balls, said retaining ring, said spring, said driver component, said cover and said cam are housed within said housing.
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The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically to a self-locking internal adapter for securing medical tools.
As used herein, the term “adapter” refers to a component of an orthopedic tool handle which engages a tool,
As used herein, the term “chamfer” refers to a beveled, angled or tapered edge which engages the edge of a second component to create a secured junction.
As used herein, the terms “flattened portion” or “partially flattened portion” refer to a cylindrical surface having an area with a curvature less than that of the cylindrical curvature. A flattened or partially flattened portion may contain a single area or multiple areas of lesser curvature.
As used herein, the term “securing ball” refers to any structure or combination of structures which may engage a securing ball detent aperture. A securing ball may be any shape, including, but not limited to, spherical, quasi-spherical, rounded, oblong, ellipsoidal, and combinations of these and other shapes capable of engaging a securing ball detent aperture.
Adjustment tools are used in orthopedic surgery to tighten and adjust mechanical components within orthopedic devices. For example, screwdrivers, spreaders, pliers, hammers, cutters and other tools may be used to adjust screws, pins, rods and other orthopedic devices. The adjustment tools for adjusting these orthopedic devices must be highly stable to allow for precise adjustments, and many types of adjustments may be needed.
In order to save space on an operating room instrument table or in a sterilization kit, different orthopedic tools may be designed to be interchangeable with a single handle. For example, it is known in the art to fashion tools of varying lengths with shafts that may be inserted into a single tool handle.
As a result, a typical orthopedic tool may actually be a system of three components: a handle, an adapter and a tool. Generally; the handle and the adapter are structurally integrated and permanently attached to each other. Tools are adapted for insertion into the adapter.
Adapters for securing medical tools, specifically medical tools with a square or hexagonal shaft, to handles are known in the art. Every adapter has some sort of channel or orifice to receive the tool, and a locking mechanism to secure the tool in place. The function and simplicity of operating the locking mechanism are critical. Even incremental improvements in a locking mechanism can be critical to the outcome of a surgery.
Tools must be compact to allow an orthopedic surgeon to perform adjustments to orthopedic devices and other tasks within the confined space of various body regions.
Tools must also be versatile, and it is desirable to have as many tools as possible adapted for use with a single adapter and handle.
Adapter components are likely to come in contact with bodily fluids and other contaminants during medical procedures. Any contours, grooves and other hard-to-reach surfaces need to be carefully cleaned and sterilized. Exposed attachment components are also more likely to be bumped or inappropriately forced in an attempt to attach a medical tool. As a result, exposed attachment components are frequently damaged.
It is desirable to have an adapter for securing medical tools to handles which reduce the number of exposed components and surfaces.
It is desirable to have an apparatus for securing and grasping tools which is as compact as possible so that surgeons can operate within the limited spaces and contours of various regions of the body.
It is critical to have an adapter for securing medical tools in place as effectively and simply as possible.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,343,824 discloses a torque-limiting driver for orthopedic tools having an internal cam and external tool adapter. It is desirable to provide an internal adapter for a torque-limiting driver handle with an internal cam.
The present invention is an internal adapter for use in torque-limiting handles for interchangeable orthopedic tools. An internal adapter contains a slidable collar component, house component, retaining ring, spring, driver component, cover and cam which engages a torque-limiting mechanism. A plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure an orthopedic tool in the adapter, while a configuration of chamfered surfaces centrally stabilizes the tool. A plurality of guiding chamfers located in a driver component rotationally secures the orthopedic tool.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of an internal adapter for a torque limiting driver for orthopedic tools, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent structures and materials may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Bearings 65a, 65b are shown as standard ball bearings known in the art. In further exemplary embodiments, bearings 65a, 65b may be any bearings known in the art.
In further exemplary embodiments, tubular sliding portion 14 may contain additional securing ball apertures. While equidistant and symmetrically arranged securing ball apertures provides for greater securing and stability, in further exemplary embodiments, securing ball apertures may be asymmetrically arranged and positioned at varying distances around tubular sliding portion 14.
Securing ball apertures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d contain a contoured inner surface which creates a diameter smaller than the diameter of securing balls 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d (not shown) at the innermost edge of securing ball apertures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d. Securing balls 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d (not shown) are therefore freely rotatable within securing ball apertures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d but may not pass through securing ball apertures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d. In further exemplary embodiments, securing ball apertures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d may contain a lip, rim, ridge or other structure which narrows the diameter of the innermost edge of securing ball apertures 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d to prevent securing balls 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d (not shown) from passing through.
The rear end of tubular sliding portion 14 contains protuberance 17 and groove 18, both of which span the external circumference of tubular sliding portion 14.
Securing balls 60 each correspond with one of securing ball apertures 15. Securing ball apertures 15 have contoured inner surface 19, so that the inner diameter of securing ball apertures 15 is slightly less than that of securing balls 60, so that securing balls 60 do not fall through securing ball apertures 15 but remain freely rotatable in securing ball apertures 15. The interior surface of interior collar channel 23 creates a cover over securing ball apertures 15 to prevent securing balls 60 from disengaging securing ball apertures 15.
In other exemplary embodiments, securing ball apertures 15 may contain lips, ridges, protuberances, contours or other structures which create a smaller inner diameter and prevent securing balls 60 from falling through securing ball apertures 15.
Interior collar channel 23 also contains tapered surface 25. The inner diameter of interior collar channel 23 is smaller near the opening of interior collar channel 23 and progressively larger inward of the opening.
As spring 35 exerts outward force on collar component 10, securing balls 60 in securing ball apertures 15 are forced to align with the outer-most, or narrowest, part of tapered surface 25. Retaining ring 30, in groove 18, is also pushed against stop ridge 27 of tapered housing 20, which prevents collar component 10 from being forced too far outward by spring 35.
As an orthopedic tool would be pushed into tool receiving channel 16, securing balls 60 freely rotate within securing ball apertures 15, allowing the tool shaft to proceed through tool receiving channel 16. When a tool shaft is pushed into tool receiving channel 16, securing balls 60 are forced slightly towards the inner-most, or wider, part of tapered surface 25.
If the tool is pulled out from tool receiving channel 16, securing balls 60 are forced toward the outer-most, or narrowest, part of tapered portion 25, so that securing balls 60 are no longer able to freely rotate. The tool shaft is therefore locked within tool receiving channel 16.
To remove a tool from tool receiving channel 16, external collar base 11 is pressed inward. Spring 35 is compressed, and collar component 10 slides inward within interior collar channel 23. Securing ball apertures 15 align with the inner-most, or widest, part of tapered portion 25, which increases the volume of securing ball apertures 15. Securing balls 60 are then able to freely rotate within securing ball apertures 15, allowing the tool shaft to be pulled out of tool receiving channel 16.
Driver 50 also has bearing shaft surfaces 55a, 55b, which correspond to bearings 65a, 65b, (not shown) respectively, and three flattened surfaces 53a, 53b, 53c (not shown), between bearing shaft surfaces 55a, 55b, which correspond to the inner flattened surfaces of cam 70 (not shown).
In the exemplary embodiment shown, tapered rear portion contains two bearing shaft surfaces 55a, 55b and three flattened surfaces 53a, 53b, 53c (not shown). In further exemplary embodiments, tapered rear portion may contain additional bearing shaft surfaces to correspond to the number of bearings being used. Tapered rear portion may also contain a different number of flattened surfaces in order securely engage a cam being used.
Internally, driver 50 contains spring house 56, which secures spring 35 (not shown) between driver 50 and collar component 10 (not shown). Leading chamfer 57 transitions tool guiding channel 54 to a smaller internal diameter with guiding chamfers 58. In the exemplary embodiment shown, tool guiding channel 54 contains eight double square guiding chamfers 58. In further exemplary embodiments, guiding chamfers may be hexagonal or other configuration, and tool guiding channel 54 may contain more or fewer guiding chamfers 58 to correspond to a specific tool shaft or other guiding chamfer configuration.
As illustrated in
Cam 70 also contains external contours with a plurality of inclined areas 74 interposed between gradual sloped areas 75 and 77 that culminate in elevated areas 76. As will be illustrated in
In the exemplary embodiment shown, cam 70 contains six elevated areas 76 with six inclined areas 74. In further exemplary embodiments, cam 70 may contain any number of contours, and contours may be more or less rounded depending on the roller or torque assembly being used.
At one end of tool shaft 82 is handle-engaging portion 87. The opposite end of tool shaft 82 may contain any tool known in the art.
As illustrated in
Flat surfaces 85a, 85b (85c, 85d not shown) each have a corresponding chamfer 83a (83b, 83c, 83d not shown) and are separated by rounded transitions 84a, 84b (84c, 84d not shown), each also having a corresponding chamfer 86a, 86b (86c, 86d not shown). The distance from the center of groove 81 to the edge of chamfer 86a (labeled as A in
As illustrated in
In the exemplary embodiment shown, distance A is equal to distance B. It is critical that distances A and B are equal to provide quick and secure locking of tool shaft 82 in internal adapter 100.
In
If tool shaft 82 is pulled outward from handle 90 (not shown), securing balls 60 are unable to rotate within securing ball apertures 15 (not shown) and prevent movement of tool shaft 82. To release tool shaft 82, collar component 10 is pushed inward toward handle 90 (not shown) to compress spring 35. Securing balls 60 are aligned with the portion of tapered surface 25 creating a larger volume for securing ball apertures 15 (not shown). Securing balls 60 are therefore able to freely rotate in securing ball apertures 15 (not shown), allowing tool shaft 82 to be removed from internal adapter 100.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
As illustrated in
Springs 210 exert pressure on plungers 205 to keep rollers 201 in physical engagement with cam 70 while a tool is in use. Rollers 201 are able to rotate against cam 70, easily slide over inclined areas 74 (not shown), sloped areas 75 and 77 (not shown) and elevated areas 76 (not shown). Once the desired torque is reached, springs 210 release pressure, causing a gap between rollers 201 and cam 70.
Both torque limiting mechanism 200 and internal adapter 100 are contained within handle cavity 92 (not shown) of handle 90, which in the exemplary embodiment shown has a T-shape. As illustrated, torque limiting mechanism 200 includes spacer 220, locking screw 230, spring 210, plunger 205 and roller 201, with roller 201 adapted to engage cam 70. In further exemplary embodiments, torque limiting mechanism 200 may be any torque limiting mechanism known in the art which provides a structural component adapted to engage cam 70.
Cover 40 is shown secured to handle 90, thereby securing internal adapter 100 to handle 90. Torque-limiting mechanism 200 is also secured to handle 90.
When a tool is inserted in internal adapter 100, flat surfaces on the tool engage guiding chamfers 58, which center and stabilize the tool and prevent rotational movement of the tool within tool receiving channel 16. Similarly, the flattened surfaces on driver 50 engage the inner flattened surfaces of cam 70 to prevent rotational movement of driver 50, and therefore the tool, within cam 70.
When turning handle 90, springs 210 of torque limiting mechanism 200 exert force on plungers 205 and push rollers 201 in physical contact with cam 70. Cam 70 is therefore moved with handle 90 as handle 90 is rotated. Rotation of handle 90 and cam 70 causes driver 50 and ultimately the tool to rotate. Once the desired torque is reached, springs 210 no longer push on plungers 205, causing rollers 201 to lose physical contact with cam 70. As handle 90 is rotated, rollers 201 glide across the surface of cam 70, while cam 70 remains stationary. Handle 90 is therefore rotated while cam 70, driver 50, and, ultimately; the tool, remain stationary. Bearings 65a, 65b aid handle 90 is smoothly rotating about driver 50 when rollers 201 are not engaged with cam 70.
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